Question
I started suffering from social phobia when I was 15 years old. When I was 26, I went to a psychiatrist and described my case to him; and he gave me (Alprazolam – 0.25 mg) to take once in the morning and once in the evening. My condition improved a lot, so I stopped the treatment. It’s been two years but the disease is back by about 5%, should I use the treatment again?
Answer
Dear brother:
As-Salamu `Alaykum warahmatullah (May Allah’s Peace and Mercy be upon you)
The drug you mentioned is very good in stopping the symptoms of anxiety associated with social phobia quickly, but it can cause addiction if it is used continuously for a long time, and then it becomes difficult to quit afterwards.
My opinion is to use the medication sporadically and only when needed. Be keen not to use it much. You need to know your medicine so you can control yourself and deal with it.
At the same time, I hope that you can utilise psychological self-treatment techniques when you face these symptoms. Please seek out professional help.
The use of this drug especially in simple symptoms is not desirable because it may inhibit your social skills and may affect the growth of your abilities in confronting difficulties.
